Making an educated decision; Escort 8500 vs Bel RX65...?

[midnighttsunn77]

I am fairly new to radar detectors, having only owned one before and now am shopping for a new one. I have it narrowed down considerably, mainly focusing on the two mentioned in the subject of this post, the RX65 and the 8500. I have read tons of posts on this site and others regarding these detectors and am almost exactly back to where I started! Lol, people bash and support each equally, so seperating the garbage from factual information can be a headache sometimes.
My main question would obviously be which is better. I was wondering overall abilities of the radar detectors, price nonwithstanding. In the area that I currently live (Capital Region of New York State), Ka is the most widely used radar band. However, K and even X are also occasionally used and so are still a threat to be taken seriously. (Plus I am moving to Rhode Island for college this fall and want the detector I get to work well there too...how is the radar situation there, I dont know the area). I would really appreciate it if you all would help me to decide on one or the other, or even pose some additional suggestions based on the information provided. If you have any questions about my situation, I will be happy to answer them as best I can. Please support your suggestions and responses with facts or personal experiences with details so that I can give them some serious weight in my decision.
Also, my friend and I plan to buy both and test them side by side to get the best results, but we dont know when we're going to get around to this and until then I would really appreciate any feedback you could give. Thank you very much and I am looking foward to your responses.

[mrcllusb]

The RX65 rules on Ka band.I really like mine and wouldn't get rid of it for the world.I live in upstate ny and it eats the NYSP for breakfast around here.

[wanderingmind]

Both are great detectors.

[AirMoore]

Well the RX65 eats Ka band... thats for sure.

With that said I like the X50 more (for various reasons) (though I have a rev. 5), its always had solid Ka detection, and I like the (true) multithreat display as opposed to the RX65.


Either way you can't go wrong though.

[proudNMAmember]

8500 all the way Air! 8)

[alpinestars_2002795]

This is a very hard decision... X50 rev. 5.



AlPiNe~

[maskellxx]

This is a very hard decision... X50 rev. 5.



AlPiNe~

[insidercw3]

Since you cannot purchase an X50 Rev 5, you can forget about those comments.
You want to know which is better the RX65 or the X50. The honest answer is neither. The differences between these two are cosmetic and superficial. The units have slightly different user options. The X50 has an Expert Meter mode the RX65 doesn't, and I think the RX65 has voice alerts, some gravely Male voice announcing "X Band": YAWN.

You want to know which of these is going to perform for you, for the way you drive, for the threats in your area. Well pick one. If you really need a differentiator it comes down to Voice Alerts and Blue Display. The RX65 has voice and the X50 comes in a Blue display if you're willing to pay another $30 or so.

[Stealthcb]

If you really need a differentiator it comes down to Voice Alerts and Blue Display. The RX65 has voice and the X50 comes in a Blue display if you're willing to pay another $30 or so.

If it really comes down to that, get a Pro-78. It has both voice alerts AND blue display.

[proudNMAmember]

Good response StealthCB.